Director R&D Sustainability and Medical Governance Operations (Billerica MA)

The businesses of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany•Billerica, MA

34d•$174,600 - $262,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, R&D and Medical Governance Operations holds a dual mandate: supporting the Head CMO Governance & Operations in the full spectrum of CMO-GO business operations activities, and serving as the orchestrator and oversight lead for R&D Sustainability initiatives across the R&D organization. The role ensures the smooth execution of governance processes, operational workflows, data systems management, vendor coordination, and training delivery, while simultaneously driving the planning, coordination, and reporting of R&D’s sustainability project portfolio in alignment with the company’s broader ESG and corporate sustainability commitments. Impact: Enables the Head CMO Governance & Operations to focus on strategic priorities by owning and executing the operational backbone of CMO-GO. Acts as the central orchestrator of R&D Sustainability projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment, milestone delivery, and transparent reporting to R&D and corporate leadership. Strengthens the organization’s compliance posture through rigorous maintenance of governance documentation, data systems, audit readiness, and training completion. Embeds sustainability thinking into R&D operations by translating corporate ESG commitments into concrete, measurable R&D-level initiatives and workplans. Complexity: Operates simultaneously across two demanding remits — governance operations and sustainability orchestration — each requiring deep cross-functional engagement and independent judgment. Manages competing operational priorities across governance initiatives, sustainability projects, vendor engagements, and stakeholder reporting cycles. Navigates an evolving external sustainability regulatory landscape (e.g., EU CSRD, GHG reporting) and translates requirements into R&D-specific actions. Accountability / Independence: Accountable for the timely and accurate delivery of business operations tasks delegated by the HeadCMO Governance & Operations. Fully accountable for the orchestration, oversight, and reporting of the R&D Sustainability project portfolio, working independently with minimal guidance. Exercises judgment in prioritizing workload across both remits and proactively managing stakeholder expectations across functions and geographies.

Requirements

Degree in Medicine or Life Sciences required.
Substantial professional experience (typically 8–12 years) in clinical R&D, Medical Affairs, or a comparable function, ideally within an international matrix organization.
Demonstrated experience in business operations, process management, and governance in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
Proven track record in orchestrating complex, multi-workstream programmes or project portfolios, including governance design and stakeholder management.
Experience in or strong working knowledge of corporate sustainability / ESG programme management.
Knowledge of clinical studies, Early Access Programs, Patient Support Programs, and relevant therapeutic areas.
Experience in vendor management, including contracting, performance oversight, and budget tracking.
Familiarity with audit management processes and experience supporting audit preparation and follow-up activities.
Expert knowledge of ICH-GCP and applicable international regulations, laws, and guidelines for clinical studies, Patient Support Programs, and Early Access.
Fluent in English.

Nice To Haves

An advanced scientific degree (Master’s, PhD, or MD) is preferred.
Additional qualification in business administration, project management, or a related discipline is an advantage.
Familiarity with frameworks such as GHG Protocol, CSRD, SBTi, or equivalent is a distinct advantage.
Strong programme and project management skills: able to design governance structures, manage interdependencies, and drive delivery across complex, multi-stakeholder portfolios.
Sustainability literacy: understanding of ESG reporting obligations, carbon accounting principles, and the integration of sustainability into R&D operations.
Excellent organizational, prioritization, and time management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent workstreams effectively across two distinct remits.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare clear reports, presentations, and governance documents for senior and executive audiences.
Proven ability to build effective working relationships and influence without direct authority in a complex global matrix environment.
High attention to detail and commitment to data quality, documentation standards, and compliance.
Strong digital and database literacy; proficiency with project management tools, data management platforms, and ESG reporting systems.
Additional languages are an advantage.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% as required.

Responsibilities

Support the Head CMO Governance & Operations in business operations activities.
Serve as the orchestrator and oversight lead for R&D Sustainability initiatives.
Ensure smooth execution of governance processes, operational workflows, data systems management, vendor coordination, and training delivery.
Drive the planning, coordination, and reporting of R&D’s sustainability project portfolio.
Align R&D sustainability initiatives with broader ESG and corporate sustainability commitments.
Own and execute the operational backbone of CMO-GO.
Act as the central orchestrator of R&D Sustainability projects, ensuring cross-functional alignment, milestone delivery, and transparent reporting.
Strengthen the organization’s compliance posture through rigorous maintenance of governance documentation, data systems, audit readiness, and training completion.
Embed sustainability thinking into R&D operations by translating corporate ESG commitments into concrete, measurable R&D-level initiatives and workplans.
Manage competing operational priorities across governance initiatives, sustainability projects, vendor engagements, and stakeholder reporting cycles.
Navigate evolving external sustainability regulatory landscape and translate requirements into R&D-specific actions.
Deliver business operations tasks delegated by the Head CMO Governance & Operations.
Orchestrate, oversee, and report on the R&D Sustainability project portfolio independently.
Prioritize workload across both remits and manage stakeholder expectations.
Develop and deliver training programs to diverse internal and affiliate audiences.